Rotunda of Mosta

The Rotunda of Mosta — also called Il-Mosta Dome or Ir-Rotunda tal-Mosta — is a church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and is considered to be among the most iconic neoclassical architecture on the island.

The Rotunda’s design was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and its cupola is among the largest unsupported domes in the world — the third largest, in fact.

The church was built between 1833 and 1860 under the guidance of Maltese architect Giorgio de Vasse, using local limestone and the voluntary work of the villagers.

The neoclassical limestone facade and entrance of the Rotunda of Mosta, featuring religious statues and solid columns.
An ornate incense holder viewed from below, with the massive interior of the Mosta Rotunda dome in the background.
A decorated side chapel altar in the Rotunda of Mosta, featuring lit candles and a painting of the Virgin Mary and Christ.
The replica of the unexploded World War II German bomb displayed in the museum section of the Rotunda of Mosta.
A historical black and white photograph showing the impact hole of the WWII bomb on the Rotunda of Mosta's cupola.
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The most remarkable story linked to the Rotunda is known as Il-Miraklu tal-Bomba — The Miracle of the Bomb. On 9 April 1942, during a German air raid in World War II, three bombs were dropped on Mosta.

One of them pierced the dome and fell into the church while around 300 people were attending mass.

Luckily, the bomb did not explode. It was later defused by a Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal unit and today a replica of the bomb can be seen in the church museum.

If you want to find out more about the history of Malta during World War II, you may want to visit the Malta at War Museum.

FAQs – Rotunda of Mosta

  • The Rotunda of Mosta is best known for its massive dome — the third largest unsupported dome in the world — and for surviving a World War II air raid when a bomb pierced the roof during mass but didn’t explode. This event is remembered as Il-Miraklu tal-Bomba (The Miracle of the Bomb).

  • Yes. The Rotunda is open to visitors, and you can explore the main church, its museum and the underground shelters that were used during the war. The replica of the bomb is displayed in the museum.

  • Entrance is free for prayer, but a small donation or ticket (usually around €3–€5) is requested if you want to visit the museum and war shelters. The funds go towards maintaining the church.

  • Buses from Valletta to Mosta run frequently — routes 31, 41 and 42 stop near the Rotunda. The journey takes around 25 minutes. Once in Mosta, the church is easy to find. It stands right at the centre of town.

  • Yes, photography is allowed, but visitors are asked to be respectful during services. Flash is not recommended inside the church hall.

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